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Wadworth 6X

Wadworth
United Kingdom·Best Bitter
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6X is the beer Wadworth is known for, an amber bitter first brewed in December 1923. The name goes back to the row of six crosses coopers once chalked on casks of strong ale; the original strength of around six per cent was cut during wartime rationing. Pale ale, crystal and black malts give a mid-brown colour and a full body. The nose is malty and fruity with a balancing hop note. On the palate judges describe biscuit and nutty flavours with a citrus undertone from Fuggles and Goldings, followed by a long, dry finish with firm bitterness.

ABV
4.1%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
amber12
PaceSession

AWARDS

Gold · 2024
World Beer Awards
Bitter up to 4.5%
Country Winner · 2024
World Beer Awards
Bitter up to 4.5%
World's Best Bitter up to 4.5% · 2019
World Beer Awards
Pale Beer
Silver · 2018
World Beer Awards
Gold · 2017
World Beer Awards
★Gold — World Beer Awards (Bitter up to 4.5%)
★Country Winner — World Beer Awards (Bitter up to 4.5%)
★World's Best Bitter up to 4.5% — World Beer Awards (Pale Beer)
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
maltyfruitynutty
malty
fruity
nutty
bready
hoppy
citrusy
Aroma
The nose opens with pronounced Malz character—biscuity and warm—balanced by ripe fruit notes and a restrained herbal hop presence.
also:caramel
not found:juicy,roasted,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Wadworth 6X

◎ Appearance

A mid-brown colour with bright clarity and a modest off-white head that settles to a thin collar with good adhesion. The body reads full and substantial in the glass, supported by fine carbonation that maintains steady bead formation.

mid-brownbright clarityfirm head retention

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced Malz character—biscuity and warm—balanced by ripe fruit notes and a restrained herbal hop presence. Fuggles and Goldings hops contribute subtle citrus and floral tones that frame rather than dominate the bouquet.

malty biscuitripe fruitherbal hop

◐ Taste

On entry, toasted biscuit and hazelnut flavours establish a full, rounded palate. Mid-palate shows soft caramel undertones with citrus edges from the Edelhopfen, building to a measured bitterness that remains dry and assertive without harshness.

biscuit, hazelnutcitrus undertonefirm bitterness

◑ Finish

Long and dry, with the bitterness persisting gracefully into the aftertaste. A slight nutty warmth lingers, leaving the mouth clean and ready for another drink.

dry, persistentnutty warmth
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
84
Appearance
80
Finish
82
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Wadworth 6X

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About Best Bitter

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Best Bitter?

Best Bitter is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Best Bitter

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